According to a press release, the Pennsylvania Department of Health today advised consumers that Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt may be related to a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella. The department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials in several states to investigate the outbreak. Nationally, there have been 29 cases of illness with two cases reported in Pennsylvania.

Trader Joe's has voluntarily removed the product for sale from its stores; however, consumers who have the product in their homes should discard it and should also be aware that this product is sold online through other retail outlets.

Officials believe the peanut butter may be related to a recent salmonella outbreak. A total of 29 cases have been reported since June 11. Three of those cases occurred in Massachusetts.

Several health agencies including the Center for Disease Control and the FDA are investigating the outbreak.

Additionally, the department advises anyone who recently consumed Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt and then became ill to consult their healthcare provider, local health department.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Symptoms of Salmonella infection, including diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps typically appear 6-72 hours after the ingestion of Salmonella bacteria—in this case, Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter. Most people recover within a week, but some Salmonella outbreak victims require medical treatment or hospitalization.

Does anything taste better than a crisp, snappy apple when you've been out hiking in the cool autumn air? Are you a day-tripper looking for an adventure?

Here's a quick round-up of Internet links to pick-your-own orchards in New England.

New Hampshire Apple Picking

Alyson's Apple Orchard - Walpole, New HampshireThis pick-your-own apple orchard is part of a 500-acre Connecticut River Valley farm. A farm stand is open daily through Halloween, as well.

DeMeritt Hill Farm - Lee, New HampshireIn addition to 25 varieties of apples for you to pick, this apple farm offers a bakery, children's play areas, family hiking trails, a farm store and hayrides on weekends. Dogs are welcome if they're kept on a leash.

Gould Hill Farm - Contoocook, New HampshireThis orchard is located on land that has been farmed continuously since the mid-1700s. You'll find more than 80 varieties of apples here, available for picking from Labor Day through mid-October. First-time apple pickers are welcome--orchard personnel will show you what to do.

Poverty Lane Orchards - Lebanon, New HampshireMacIntosh and Cortland apples thrive at this New Hampshire orchard, which also grows a range of other heirloom varieties. Pick your own apples, visit the farm stand and sample the orchard's Farnum Hill Ciders line of hard ciders, too.

Riverview Farm - Plainfield, New HampshirePick your own fresh apples straight from the trees at this 11-acre orchard.

Connecticut Apple Picking

Bishop's Orchards - Guilford, ConnecticutThis 140-year-old family farm has been an apple picking destination since the 1940s.

Lyman Orchards - Middlefield, ConnecticutIf you're looking for an apple picking outing that offers so much more, Lyman Orchards is your ideal spot for a day trip. Get lost in the corn maze, buy fresh-baked cider donuts and other specialty products at the Farm Market and even play golf on Lyman's two 18-hole courses.

Apple Acres Farm - South Hiram, MaineVisitors to Apple Acres are encouraged to do much more than just pick apples. They can picnic, view the fall foliage, eat homemade apple pie (oh, twist my arm!) and birdwatch, too.

The Apple Farm - Fairfield, MaineThe Apple Farm grows many different varieties of apples including old-fashioned, indigenous varieties like Northern Spy and Mac. Apple lovers are invited to pick their own fruit, visit the barn store or even order Maine apple gift packs by phone.

Massachusetts Apple Picking

Autumn Hills Orchard - Groton, MassachusettsPick your own apples at this authentic working farm on more than 70 acres. Autumn Hills Orchard offers more than 20 varieties of apples and pears, spectacular mountain views and a farm stand. The orchard's Ann Harris tells me that though Autumn Hills is near Boston, it's a bit off the beaten path, "but that's the fun of it, as there are no crowds." She also says, "Our fruit is very high quality, as we grow for specialty commercial markets as well as our you-pick customers."

Nashoba Valley Winery - Bolton, MassachusettsNashoba Valley Winery grows a variety of fruits--and not just for wines! The orchard offers apple pickers more than 90 varieties to choose from in a beautiful, scenic setting.

Shelburne Farm - Stow, MassachusettsShelburne Farm is the oldest pick-your-own apple orchard in eastern Massachusetts. Stop at the Apple Shop for New England goodies including sweet cider, warm cider doughnuts, locally roasted coffee, farm-fresh ice cream, caramel apples, New England-made cheeses and other local products. Hayrides are available daily, and additional activities including pony rides are offered on weekends.

Tougas Family Farm - Northborough, MassachusettsDuring fall apple picking season, visit the barnyard, shop in the farm kitchen and pick your own apples at this family farm, which offers more than 20 apple varieties including exciting new crops like Honeycrisp, Zestar! and CrimsonCrisp.

Rhode Island Apple Picking

Phantom Farms - Cumberland, RIThis 60-year-old Rhode Island farm grows more than 15 varieties of apples, including Macouns, and you can pick your own fruit during festival weekends in September.

Rhode Island Orchard Locations - statewideHere is a list of Rhode Island orchards, including many which offer pick-your-own apples, from RI Fruit Growers.

Vermont Apple Picking

Adams Apple Orchard - Williston, VermontDuring harvest season, you can choose from several varieties of apples including Cortland, McIntosh and Macoun to pick yourself at this Vermont orchard and farm market.

Champlain Orchards - Shoreham, VermontThis family-owned farm grows McIntosh, Empire, Cortland, Gingergold, Honeycrisp, Gala and dozens of other apple varieties and also presses its own sweet cider. You'll have views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack and Green Mountains as you pick your own juicy apples.

Vermont Orchards - statewideFrom All About Apples, here is a directory of orchards throughout Vermont.

Neighboring New York Apple Picking

Apple Hill Farm - New Paltz, New YorkHomegrown apples are yours for the picking, and you'll also find hayrides, fresh-pressed cider and mulled apple cider donuts at this Ulster County farm.

Applewood Orchards & Winery - Warwick, New YorkApplewood is in the heart of Macintosh Country, and they offer gardens, a farm store, old-fashioned pressed cider by the glass, wine tasting and, of course, pick-your-own apples.

Greig Farm - Red Hook, New YorkLocated not far from where I grew up in New York's Hudson Valley, Greig Farm has always been one of my favorite places to go apple picking. Don't miss the chance to visit the Hudson Valley Market and Grandiflora Nursery while you're there.

Maskers Orchards - Warwick, New YorkA drive-through apple orchard? Maskers claims to be the only apple orchard that lets you drive right up to the tree, which would make it a wonderful spot to take older relatives or small children. They also offer pony rides, baby animals, wagon rides, a country store and special events.

Pick Apples on Long Island - Long IslandAbout.com's Long Island Guide Linda Tagliaferro has a round-up of places to pick apples on Long Island this fall.

Prospect Hill Orchards - Milton, New YorkPick your own apples and picnic by the pond at this scenic orchard that grows more than a dozen apple varieties.

Weed Orchards and Farm Market - Marlboro, New YorkThe sign that reads, "Weed Farm U-Pick" may make you laugh, but when you arrive at Weed Orchards and Farm Market in Marlboro, New York, you'll soon be marveling at the lushness of this beautifully manicured farm, located just about 70 miles north of New York City. There might not be any weeds to pick, but you will find acres of ripe, red apples and other produce.

Wilklow Orchards - Highland, New YorkThis Ulster County orchard is open for apple picking daily in season, and on weekends, you can savor fresh apple cider donuts or head out on a hayride.

Lorenz said they searched the promenade area by foot and by car for hours. While searching near Pearl Street, they were told Burlington County Bridge police had spotted Brandi.

“The police had their searchlights out, and that’s when one of the officers told me she jumped from the bridge,” Lorenz said.

While it’s clear Brandi is a tough pup, she has her Kryptonite.

Lorenz said the rescue beagle went through some type of traumatic experience before being adopted by the Burlington Township family five years ago.

The dog’s past experiences have made her very nervous around unfamiliar faces.

Bridge officer Rob Bittner said he saw Brandi walking up the bridge toward the Pennsylvania side during his normal patrol Friday night.

“I get a fourth of the way up the bridge and I see this dog in the road and cars are moving all around it,” said Bittner. “I activated my lights to slow traffic and I pretty much followed the dog because I didn’t want to scare her by chasing after her.”

Bittner said Brandi was moving fine until she got to the top of the bridge where a steel grate caused her paws to get trapped. At that time, motorists who had gotten out of their cars were also attempting to grab the dog, he said.

“There was a car ahead loaded with young kids that couldn’t have been more then 17 or 20 years old,” said Bittner. “They busted open the door and a young boy tried to grab the dog.”

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

A local man is not letting his disability keep him from reaching new heights. He's one of about 50 people who have hiked all of New Hampshire's toughest mountains during winter.

But he's a real trail blazer; Randy Pierce is the first blind person to climb New Hampshire’s 48 summits in the White Mountains. What’s more, he did it in one winter, and all he needed was a little help from his guide dog and best friend, Quinn.

FRANCONIA, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire Fish and Game officials say rescue crews who endured high winds and torrential rain to rescue an injured hiker in the White Mountains likely saved his life.

Fifty-nine-year-old Edward Bacon of Northville, Mich., was on the third day of a five-day solo hike around Franconia Notch when he fell Tuesday afternoon and seriously injured his hip. Authorities say Bacon crawled to an area where he was able to get brief cell phone reception and called for help.

A team sent by the Appalachian Mountain Club reached Bacon around 6:20 p.m., followed soon after by New Hampshire Fish and Game officers and volunteers. Facing wind gusts of 80 mph and swollen rivers and streams, rescuers carrying the injured man didn't reach the trailhead until after 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Summary
Rattlesnake Mountain, located on the south end of the Carr Mountain ridge, features views in nearly all directions from its ledgy summit. A fire burned a significant portion of the mountain in the summer of 2008.

This trail climbs moderately to a loop over the ledges of Rattlesnake Mtn., providing excellent views over the Baker River Valley for a modest effort.

If you are passing through the area, this is a nice sight to stop and see. The well-carved gorge is quite impressive. This geological wonder is another New Hampshire attraction that is believed to have been formed by a retreated glacier from the great Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago. Swimming is a locally popular activity at this spot in the summer, but it is only safe in low-water conditions. You might spot people jumping off the gorge walls for a bit of adventure. Others may be enjoying some of the water-filled potholes alongside the river. Swimming can be dangerous here; if the water level looks too high, avoid the temptation, especially within the gorge.

Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, which spans 272 acres, is a unique example of nature's powerful yet delicate artistry. The Cockermouth River carved a narrow canyon in bedrock on its way to Newfound Lake, beginning as the last ice age drew to a close. Nature used grains of sand suspended in the current to carve the walls of the canyon into curious shapes and create potholes in the bedrock.